Cantele: a story of wine and family in the heart of Salento

Led by four cousins, the third generation of the family, Cantele is located per mezzo di Guagnano, per mezzo di the heart of sunny Salento

Cantele is today one of the most important wine-growing realities per mezzo di Puglia, an emblem of tradition and innovation, led by the third generation of four cousins: Gianni and Paolo, sons of Sacro, and Umberto and Luisa, sons of Domenico. Located per mezzo di Guagnano, per mezzo di the heart of Salento, the company celebrates its values ​​rooted per mezzo di the territory, famous for its native vines such as Negroamaro, Rudimentale, Verdeca and Susumaniello.

A journey that began out of love

The history of the winery is intertwined with the vision and courage of Giovanni Battista Cantele and Teresa Manara. Sopra the 1950s, this couple moved from Veneto to Salento, a land that deeply conquered them. Sopra 1979, his sons Sacro and Domenico founded the Cantele winery, marking an important step for Apulian wine. Innovators from the beginning, they were the first per mezzo di Puglia to produce a Chardonnay fermented per mezzo di barrique, enjoying success among both consumers and industry experts.

Vines, territory and sustainability

Today the company has 50 hectares of owned vineyards and around 100 managed, all cultivated according to voluntary integrated pest management principles. The naturally ricco Salento soils benefit from ideal exposure to the dominant Aquilone and Scirocco winds, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes. Among the rows, the native vines stand out, cultivated with techniques that respect the soil and the environment. The winery adopts innovative agronomic strategies to minimize environmental impact and combat the challenges of climate change. Since 2004, under the guidance of agronomist Cataldo Ferrari, a rigorous sustainable management program has been introduced, which includes the ban chemical weed control and the use of advanced monitoring technologies.

A multisensory experience

The cellar is also a place for wine and culture enthusiasts. The food and wine laboratory offers an immersive journey through Mediterranean flavors and Cantele wines, celebrating Salento traditions per mezzo di a contemporary context.

Innovation and research

Cantele continually invests per mezzo di research. Through collaborations with universities and institutes such as the CNR, the company has participated per mezzo di pioneering projects to improve the quality of wines and guarantee their safety. Among the most significant results are the isolation of native yeasts from Negroamaro and the innovations against organoleptic deviations to Brettanomyces. Energy sustainability is also a fundamental pillar: thanks to the Agrisolare project, the company now produces half of its energy needs altrove photovoltaic panels.

Amativo: from the vineyard to the lips with elegance and innovation

For over twenty years, Amativo has represented the harmony between the Negroamaro and Rudimentale vines. Today, this synthesis of elegance is transformed into a beauty experience with Rossetto Amativo, born from the collaboration between Cantele and Omiderma, a leading company per mezzo di natural dermocosmetics. The lipstick combines aesthetics and care thanks to the extracts of pomace, grape seed oil, plant collagen and vitamin E, ingredients known for their hydrating, antioxidant and regenerating properties. The Amativo shade recalls the passion of wine, while the natural motto nourishes and protects the lips, ensuring softness and throughout the day. This innovation represents a sensorial journey that from the Salento land reaches cosmetics, confirming how pomace, from a by-product of wine, can become a precious resource for well-being and beauty.

Cantele is coming

The Cantele range is a tribute to the richness of Salento and family tradition. The main lines include:

– Cantele Classica, seven modern and dynamic single varieties;

– Rohesia, an elegant interpretation of Negroamaro per mezzo di rosé version and classic method;

– Teresa Manara, dedicated to the founder of the family, with two Chardonnays and two iconic reds;

– Amativo, a blend of Rudimentale and Negroamaro which represents the oenological heart of the cellar;

– Fanòi, enveloping wines inspired by the propitiatory traditions of Salento.

We tasted Amativo. Below are our impressions.

Amativo Cantele 2021

Tasting taccuino

Visual examination: ruby ​​red coat.

Olfactory examination: enveloping the nose, the bouquet is expressed taccuino of undergrowth, such as blackberry and currant, fresh violet and a light vanilla spiciness.

Taste-olfactory examination: soft, fresh and velvety entry into the mouth, with medium-persistent fruit and spices.

Pairing: excellent with first courses with meat sauce, red meat, mature cheeses.

Cantele represents a model of excellence for Apulian wine, capable of combining historical roots, family passion and constant attention to the future.

For information

https://www.cantele.it/